In the bustling world of teachings and sermons, there exists a stark contrast between being hearers and being doers. The scripture, Matthew 7:24-29, paints a vivid picture of the two ways of teachingāthe Scribes’ way and that of our Lord Jesus. While the Scribes were eloquent and well-versed, Jesus taught with authority, a divine power that transcended mere words. This authority, as we’ll discover, lies not just in hearing but in theĀ transformative act ofĀ doing.
The Folly of the Hearing System:
Imagine a piano teacher imparting knowledge to a vast audience seated in a grand hall, everyone praising the beauty of the lesson but never actually getting to play the piano. This analogy serves as a poignant reminder of the church’s tendency to create hearers rather than doers. The system of hearing, akin to building on sand, yields no spiritual growth. The church often resembles a conference hall, where sermons echo, but the echoes seldom translate into tangible actions.
Blame the System, Not the Believer:
In this dilemma, it’s crucial not to place blame on believers or pastors. Rather, we are all victims of a faulty system that fosters eternal childhood in spiritual growth. The system inundates individuals with various teachings, leaving little time for practical application. The result: a generation of hearers without the motivation or incentive to become doers.
Jesus’ Model of Teaching:
Jesus, our ultimate teacher, didn’t rely on eloquent speeches like the Scribes. His authority emanated from living out what He preached. He commanded His disciples to follow suit, emphasizing concrete actions over mere words. Even from the beginning the most important ingredient He used and expected from His followers was obedience: “Zacchaeus, come down, hurry up!” was a command. It was an order not a speech. ”Matthew, follow me”, etc. “Go to a certain city; greet people in such and such a way; preach this; don’t charge any money for healing; Don’t go to the gentiles yet.” etc. They were all commandments that had to be obeyed, not speeches that they had to hear. This approach stands in stark contrast to the prevalent system of endless sermons and studies that contribute to the perpetuation of hearers.
The Essence of Doctrine:
To bridge the gap between hearing and doing, we must understand the essence of doctrine. The nature of what we teach is another cause of inaction. We don’t teach pertinent and practical things, but rather a sort of philosophy of the Holy Scriptures – statements that appeal mostly to the intellect rather than stirring one into action. Verses of the Bible are discussed, and each one declares his own opinions, but we make the discussion an end in itself. This is philosophizing about the Holy Scriptures. The Apostle Paul, in Titus 2:1-15 and 3:1-3, outlines practical aspects of sound doctrine. Older men, women, young people, workers, citizens, husbands, wives, children, parents, and bossesāall receive specific guidance on behavior.Ā Sound doctrine is not an intellectual exercise but a blueprint for shaping lives according to God’s will.
Biblical Philosophy vs. Doctrine:
Distinguishing between Biblical philosophy and doctrine is paramount. I call Biblical philosophy those things upon which we can philosophize, but cannot change. I call doctrine the things that weĀ canĀ change. Philosophy encompasses discussions on topics like the Millennium or the timing of the rapture, matters subject to interpretation. These things are what they are, as God has decided them to be. Yes, we can discuss them but not change them because they are already decided upon by God. We can philosophize but, please, don’t fight over them! The church is divided precisely because of these philosophical matters. On the other hand,Ā doctrine consists of actionable commands, providing guidance on how to live a Christ-like life. In general, in the Scriptures doctrine is clear enough on the matter of behavior, so that it doesn’t lend itself to different interpretations. Understanding this distinction can foster unity within the church, preventing unnecessary divisions. Ā Ā
Concrete Steps for Transformation:
Acts 20:20-27 reveals Paul’s commitment to teaching all the counsel of God during his time in Ephesus. Today, church leaders must similarly dedicate time to discern God’s counsel for their congregations. Unifying teachings across various church activities ensures a cohesive message, emphasizing practical steps that disciples can take. This approach aligns with James 1:22-27, preventing self-deception and vain religion. We must teach a truth and also teach how to put it into practice, that is to say, translate it into concrete action steps. Ā
Reviewing Our Commitment:
In conclusion, we must revisit our commitment to the transformative power of the Gospel. As we explore the difference between hearers and doers, let us internalize the teachings of our Lord Jesus. The church’s focus should shift from producing eloquent speakers to nurturing disciples who actively live out the counsel of God. By unifying our teachings, emphasizing practical steps, and allowing time for implementation, we can bridge the gap between hearing and doing, fostering a generation of empowered doers for Christ.
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Till Next Time, God Bless! Georgina.